French police have arrested a man suspected of involvement in the fire that devastated the historic town hall in Limoges during rioting on 17 October.
The building, dating back to 1883, suffered extensive damage, with its roof and belfry collapsing.
France is set to deploy military forces during further protests planned for this coming Saturday, interior minister Laurent Nunez has said.
“We will deploy the Sentinelle force, obviously as a substitute to interior security forces... mostly to free police and gendarmes in their mission to maintain order,” Mr Nunez told the National Assembly.
Prime minister Sebastien Lecornu said police deployment for Saturday’s demonstrations would be “massive” and that his goal was for an “immediate return to order”.
The French government has continued to impose partial curfews across the country, including in Paris and Nice, after the riots and looting.
“These localised curfews are efficient,” the PM told parliament on Tuesday. “They helped to restore calm last night.”
The French riots have been followed by other unrest across Europe, with similar incidents in Belgium, Albania and Italy, where the government is set to dispatch 500 army troops to “defend Milan”.
Read MoreThe European cities facing more protests from Paris to Milan as cost of living crisis bites
Want to understand Gen Z protests? Just look at their Gen X parents
Marine Le Pen is ready to rise from France’s ashes
Rioters face €20,000 fines and prison time under Italy's new anti-riot laws after Milan violence
Key Points
- France plans ‘massive’ police presence this weekend with military deployed
- French PM admits shortcomings in handling protests
- Italy to deploy 500 soldiers to Milan
- Paris NFL game given green light to go ahead after violent protests in France
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07:41 , Alex CroftVisit independent.co.uk or download our app for more updates on protests in France and across Europe.
Rioting in Milan caused by ‘hybrid war’ against the West, says Italian defence minister
07:28 , Maroosha MuzaffarA weekend of rioting and violence in Milan was caused by a “hybrid war” being waged against the West, Italy’s defence minister warned on Tuesday.
Days of unrest in Italy has seen demonstrators clash with police, loot shops and vandalise property after peaceful protests over the cost of living and public services turned violent.
“The events in Milan and elsewhere in Italy are fundamentally different from those seen in other eras,” Guido Crosetto said.
Read more here:
Rioting in Milan caused by ‘hybrid war’ against West, says Italian defence minister
French police arrest a man in connection with town hall fire in Limoges
07:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarFrench police have arrested a man suspected of involvement in the fire that devastated the historic town hall in Limoges during rioting on 17 October.
The building, dating back to 1883, suffered extensive damage, with its roof and belfry collapsing.
Anti-terrorism investigators have joined the inquiry, while prosecutors assess whether the incident warrants a terrorism investigation.
The arrest comes as the government faces scrutiny over its handling of the unrest and prepares tighter security measures for further demonstrations.
The suspect’s alleged links to ultra-left movements remain part of the investigation, authorities have said.
Far-right and far-left leaders in France accused of exploiting protests
06:31 , Maroosha MuzaffarFar-right leader Marine Le Pen, who leads opinion polls ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election, has been accused of exploiting the protests.
Far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon, who is polling second, has also been accused of benefiting politically from nationwide unrest over the cost of living and education standards.
“Members of [Melenchon’s] France Insoumise (LFI) are instrumentalising the high school movement for their electoral advantage,” prime minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Wednesday.
He accused them of encouraging protests. “This hypocrisy damages France.”
The demonstrations, led partly by students demanding better education conditions and improved living standards, drew more than 500,000 people on Saturday and descended into looting and arson, resulting in more than 2,500 arrests.
Lecornu has promised curfews where necessary as authorities seek to restore order.
Further demonstrations are planned for Saturday, although France’s main trade unions have not endorsed the call.
French PM admits shortcomings in handling protests
06:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarFrench prime minister Sebastien Lecornu has admitted shortcomings in the government’s handling of Saturday’s protests.
“As with all difficult operations, there are things you get right, and things that go wrong,” he was quoted as saying by Le Monde.
“We have nothing to hide.”
Across Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and other cities, police were overwhelmed by unprecedented violence and failed to prevent widespread destruction and looting of thousands of shops.
Interior minister Laurent Nunez said: “We obviously need to be better at anticipating protests as they unfold,” because “the measures put in place ended up asymmetrical with the number of participants.”
Italy to deploy 500 soldiers to Milan
05:00 , Maroosha MuzaffarItaly is deploying 500 soldiers to Milan after cost of living protests escalated into clashes with police, vandalism and looting.
Prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has announced tougher security measures and penalties for rioters, including potential financial liability for parents of children involved in looting or vandalism.
France is also stepping up security ahead of planned Saturday demonstrations, deploying military personnel to support police and promising a “massive” police presence following last weekend’s riots.
Paris NFL game given green light to go ahead after violent protests in France
04:00 , Maira ButtSunday's NFL matchup in Paris between the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers will proceed as scheduled under heightened security measures, the league announced Tuesday, following a period of violent unrest that engulfed the French capital.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed Tuesday that military personnel will reinforce police in a "massive" security operation targeting demonstrations set for Saturday, following looting and widespread rioting across Paris and other French cities on October 17.
Paris NFL game given green light to go ahead after violent protests in France
Comment: I fear Britain’s politics are about to turn as ugly as Europe’s
03:00 , Maira ButtNever think it cannot happen here. We do not have a history of taking to the streets and setting fire to things every now and again as the French do. The last time that Paris was in flames, the authorities eventually reported that the crisis was over, and the number of cars being burned in the suburbs had returned to the “normal level”.
The normal level in London is zero, but we have had riots and looting that seemed to come out of nowhere – the last big outbreak being in the summer of 2011. We have had localised eruptions of political violence, but what is most alarming is the polarisation of opinions and the increasing expression of extreme views.
This is what creates the conditions in which the sparks of disorder are more likely to be lit which will start a French-style conflagration.
I fear Britain’s politics are about to turn as ugly as Europe’s
France plans ‘massive’ police presence this weekend with military deployed
02:00 , Maira ButtFrance will deploy its Sentinelle military force this Saturday to guard sites and free up police officers to maintain order during planned protests.
Prime minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised a massive police deployment aimed at securing an immediate return to calm following violent weekend unrest.
Partial curfews have been enforced in several cities, including Paris, Nice and Marseille, after thousands of rioters were arrested during nationwide protests.
Justice minister Gérald Darmanin pledged an unrelenting response to any further acts of violence.
The riots have spread across Europe to Belgium, Albania and Italy, where 500 military troops are being deployed to defend Milan.
Rioting in Milan caused by ‘hybrid war’ against the West, says Italian defence minister
01:00 , Maira ButtA weekend of rioting and violence in Milan was caused by a “hybrid war” being waged against the West, Italy’s defence minister warned on Tuesday.
Days of unrest in Italy has seen demonstrators clash with police, loot shops and vandalise property after peaceful protests over the cost of living and public services turned violent.
“The events in Milan and elsewhere in Italy are fundamentally different from those seen in other eras,” Guido Crosetto said.
Rioting in Milan caused by ‘hybrid war’ against West, says Italian defence minister
In focus: Want to understand Gen Z protests? Just look at their Gen X parents
Wednesday 21 October 2026 00:01 , Maira ButtThirty-four years ago next month, Rage Against the Machine’s eponymous debut was released. Though it was a slow burner, it became a commercial and cultural hit, largely due to the popularity of “Killing in the Name”, which became a Gen X anthem. A chorus containing the line “f*** you, I won’t do what you tell me” proved irresistible to nihilistic Nineties teens and young adults, who were angry with the government and a system that they didn’t see working for them.
The song’s chorus speaks directly to where the youth find themselves today. Jonah, 15, has been playing the record on rotation since he was introduced to the band by his dad; the only thing he doesn’t get, according to his dad Simon, 51, is what on earth the Nineties kids had to be so angry about. From a Gen A and Gen Z point of view, their Gen X parents lived the dream, coming of age at a time when houses were affordable, culture more accessible, the job market less scary, and gaining a university degree still delivered on its promise.
Want to understand Gen Z protests? Just look at their Gen X parents
The European cities facing protests from Paris to Milan as continent gripped by cost of living crisis
Tuesday 20 October 2026 23:00 , Maira ButtViolent protests have broken out across Europe amid growing frustration over the cost of living crisis, a lack of affordable housing and deteriorating school conditions.
As many as 550,000 people turned out across France on Saturday, according to authorities, to demonstrate against declining public services. Protests turned violent in Paris as shops were looted and cars set on fire in some of the city’s worst violence in years.
Young people waved Italian flags and let off flares in Milan as they rallied against the rising cost of living in scenes that were condemned by prime minister Giorgia Meloni.
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The European cities facing protests as continent gripped by cost of living crisis
Watch: France is on fire. Will protests spread to the UK?
Tuesday 20 October 2026 22:00 , Maira ButtItaly's Meloni approves tougher anti-riot laws after Milan violence
Tuesday 20 October 2026 21:30 , Maira ButtItaly approved a raft of security measures on Tuesday including a new offence of violent participation in a demonstration, tougher penalties for rioters, and financial liability for parents whose children take part in vandalism and looting.
The move comes after sweeping unrest across the country following protests over the weekend.
“There is nothing revolutionary about vandalising and stealing. Vandalism and theft are not protest, they are criminality,” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on social media.
What sparked the fiery protests in France – and how they could spread across Europe
Tuesday 20 October 2026 21:00 , Maira ButtPresident Emmanuel Macron has declined Interior Minister Laurent Nunez's offer to resign after a weekend of widespread rioting, according to the Elysee presidential office.
Macron said Nunez should remain to ensure a chain of command is kept within the police and security forces, and has also asked Nunez to set up new approaches to deal with looters, the Elysee added.
It comes after hundreds of people were arrested and buildings set on fire across France on Saturday as protests over the cost of living crisis spread. In Paris, police fired tear gas into crowds on Saturday, while there were also violent incidents reported in Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse and Angers.
What sparked the fiery protests in France – and how they could spread across Europe
France backs UNESCO drive to involve more young people in political decisions
Tuesday 20 October 2026 20:25 , Maira ButtA UNESCO drive to get more young people into decision-making bodies has won the backing of France’s foreign minister on Tuesday against the backdrop of nationwide protests that have turned violent in some areas.
The appeal, formally adopted by the UN's cultural and education agency after being drafted by 145 young representatives from 135 countries, calls for youth representation in decision-making bodies, conflict prevention and mediation mechanisms.
"Young people's voices matter," Jean-Noel Barrot said on X following UNESCO's backing of the appeal.
French police arrest main suspect behind Limoges town hall fire
Tuesday 20 October 2026 20:00 , Maira ButtThe main suspect behind the fire at Limoges town hall has been arrested, a police source and the local public prosecutor have told Le Parisien.
The 34-year-old man, from the Creuse region, is described as an ultra-left activist who was already on France’s security watchlist, they said.
He was arrested in Val-d'Issoire by the Bordeaux special forces at around 6:15am local time (5:15am BST) on Tuesday morning, the report added.
The suspect is reportedly known to the police for acts of violence against people in authority.
The Limoges town hall erupted in a huge blaze during the widespread protests in France on Saturday.
Louvre remains closed after students blockade Paris museum
Tuesday 20 October 2026 19:18 , Maira ButtThe Louvre in Paris remained closed to visitors on Monday after students blocked its entrances in solidarity with the high school protests that have spread across France.
The blockade was led by students from art history school École du Louvre, who gathered outside the museum early in the morning. Management decided not to open at its scheduled time of 9am, with barriers preventing visitors from entering.
A leaflet distributed at the entrances declared: “We are proud to announce that we are blocking the world's largest museum.” It accused the government of neglecting public services and called for better conditions for students and workers, and an end to what it described as unacceptable police repression, according to Le Figaro.
The students said they wanted to support high school pupils demanding better educational conditions and call for increased funding for education and culture.
Watch: E-bike companies report large losses as piles of cycles burned in France protests
Tuesday 20 October 2026 18:32 , Maira ButtFrench riots and looting hit supermarket chain Carrefour
Tuesday 20 October 2026 17:50 , Maira ButtCarrefour is facing an “unprecedented situation” in France due to riots and looting, the supermarket’s CEO said on Tuesday.
It has forced the company to cut its annual profit margin targets as curfews and higher security costs affect the business. Consumer confidence was already week due to a surge in fuel prices reducing footfall as trading in the fourth quarter began, according to the company.
“The direct costs add up to several tens of millions of euros ... of stolen or destroyed merchandise, damaged stores, damaged equipment, and then there are also the stores we were forced to close,” the company’s finance chief Matthieu Malige said on a call with journalists.
“In the weeks to come we will continue to be impacted as some stores have to close earlier due to curfews, and more broadly we think we're in a new situation marked by deep uncertainty for our customers.”
Paris curfew to continue on Tuesday and could be prolonged for as long as needed
Tuesday 20 October 2026 17:10 , Maira ButtCurfew conditions for parts of Paris will continue on Tuesday evening and may be in place for as long as is deemed necessary, the capital’s police department said in a statement on X on Tuesday.
The curfew lasts from 11pm (9pm GMT) until 6 am (4am GMT) local time, and mainly covers the Republique and Halles areas of the capital.
The European cities facing more protests from Paris to Milan as cost of living crisis bites
Tuesday 20 October 2026 16:50 , Alex CroftViolent protests have broken out across Europe amid growing frustration over the cost of living crisis, a lack of affordable housing and deteriorating school conditions.
As many as 550,000 people turned out across France on Saturday, according to authorities, to demonstrate against declining public services. Protests turned violent in Paris as shops were looted and cars set on fire in some of the city’s worst violence in years.
Young people waved Italian flags and let off flares in Milan as they rallied against the rising cost of living in scenes that were condemned by prime minister Giorgia Meloni.
James Reynolds reports:
The European cities facing protests as continent gripped by cost of living crisis
Limoges mayor says city has lost 'architectural gem' after town hall set ablaze during France protests
Tuesday 20 October 2026 16:08 , Alex CroftRecap: Trump holds up France riots as warning to US voters ahead of midterms
Tuesday 20 October 2026 15:31 , Alex CroftUS president Donald Trump has pointed to the riots in France to warn Americans of what he says could happen if Democrats win the midterm elections next month.
“We're not going to let that happen to this country,” Trump said at a rally on Monday, before adding: “When you see burning steeples and raging fires in France, just remember that is what the radical Dumocrats want to do to America.”
The rally was in support of Republican Senator Roger Marshall, who is facing a close contest against Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton ahead of the 3 November midterm elections.
